Chapter 15: Threads Beyond the Manor
Side Story – The Seamstress of Cinderglen
Far to the south of the Kingdom of Ederlan, nestled at the edge of the silverleaf forests, sat a modest town named Cinderglen—a place where trade met tradition, and stories of the capital sounded like faraway dreams.
It was here, in a two-story timber-and-stone shop adorned with flower boxes and embroidered pennants, that Maerla Virelle spun her craft.
Maerla, twenty-one, was no ordinary seamstress. Her curves were full and sculpted, her skin a soft olive hue kissed by sun and firelight. Her thick auburn hair was always tied into a practical braid, and she dressed in vibrant layers of skirts and corsets with embroidered sleeves stitched with house emblems she'd never been paid to sew.
Her hands moved with grace over silk and canvas alike. But there was something peculiar about her: the threads she wove shimmered faintly when touched by moonlight.
Tonight, the workshop glowed with candlelight and arcane runes. A customer had arrived bearing a request that made her stomach knot.
"I need a travel cloak. With runes to deflect detection magic," said the figure, his face shadowed by a deep hood.
Maerla paused. "That's not something I offer to travelers, sir. Only nobles pay for that kind of work."
The figure placed a pouch of platinum coins on the counter. "I was told you don't ask questions."
She looked at the coins… then at the man's hands. Scarred. Old soldier. Possibly former Royal Recon.
She took the pouch.
"I'll have it ready by moonrise."
As the door closed behind him, Maerla's gaze turned to the back wall—where a faded map of Aurellia was pinned. Her eyes lingered on the northern region… the capital of Ederlan.
"Von Durell…" she whispered. "Your name is back in the winds."
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World Map Overview – Continent of Aurellia
Kingdom of Ederlan (North): Capital city of Velcrest, known for its towers, academies, and noble courts. Seat of House Durell.
Verdelmar Republic (East): A magi-technocratic state powered by leyline extractors and ruled by elected Archmages. The city of Aervyn is known for floating bridges and arcane markets.
Thessane Sultanate (South): Desert dominion ruled by a matriarchal sultanate. Lavish cities with spired palaces and sandstone walls. Secretive about magic and ancient bloodlines.
Caldrith Mountains (Center-West): A neutral zone home to dwarves, spirit forges, and hidden mountain clans.
The Wyrm Coast (Far West): Pirate havens, salt-blasted ruins, and wandering beastkin tribes.
Trade routes connect the regions via caravan roads, and ley barges fly above major cities.
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Back to Elias – Midday at Durell Manor
Elias stood before the manor's Hall of Heralds, examining the ancient banners of the seven allied families that once stood with House Durell. He traced the stitched line of flame across the oldest standard.
"House Virelle," he murmured. "We lost contact with them after the Mage Wars."
Yssa joined him, holding a bundle of scrolls.
"I found these in the vault—old correspondence logs. Virelle's seamstress guild was once the backbone of our intelligence network. They encoded messages in threads."
"That explains the shimmers," Elias said with a smirk.
Their conversation was cut short by the arrival of a courier, out of breath and pale.
"My Lord Elias… a summons from the Crown. There's to be a gathering of Dukes in Velcrest. House Moreaux has moved troops to the inner border."
The words froze the room.
Elias looked to Yssa.
"Then we'll ride within the day. And perhaps… pay a visit to an old ally on the way."
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End of Chapter 15